12th Dec: Wrapping it up12 December 2008
We're in the final hours of the Poznan climate talks and the mood isn't good.
A Young Friends of the Earth demonstration in Poznan
World leaders aim low and miss
The Poznan climate talks have fizzled out with little progress on the big decisions. We're on a countdown to catastrophic climate change if things don't change. But the developed world is ignoring the ticking clock.
Some good news
There was some progress on our demands to support countries trying to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
This small positive step will make it easier for countries to access funds. But the pot of money available is still very small.
What's next?
We need international cooperation to solve climate change.
All rich countries are required to announce new emission reduction targets by June 2009. These targets must be in line with what the science tells us is necessary.
We'll be demanding that this happens.
Developing countries are already taking domestic action on climate change. But they need support to do more.
Leaders are urged to act on climate change
What needs to be done?
The science is clear. Developed nations have to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2020. This must be achieved at home and not through buying chunks of forest overseas.
The solutions do exist. We must:
- Invest in clean renewable energy.
- Cut energy waste.
- Reduce demand for paper and palm oil.
Rich countries have committed to provide finance to poorer countries. These funds are urgently needed to:
- Build green sustainable economies.
- Adapt to the devastating impacts of climate change.
A radical change in pace is urgently required for countries to meet this challenge.
Moving on
Friends of the Earth will work tirelessly to make this happen by:
- Lobbying national governments.
- Mobilising social movements.
- Championing the solutions we need.
There will be important climate talks in Copenhagen in Denmark in December 2009. We won't have a second chance to get the world back on track to solving climate change.
© Friends of the Earth International
